Cotton-harvester.



No. 685.440. Patented 0m. 29, I901. A. CAMPBELL.

GGTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed Apr 15, 1901. (No Model.) s Sheets-Sheet 1.

m. es5,44o.- Patented Oct. 29, 1901. A. CAMPBELL.

SUTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1901.) (No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 2.

I220: 72502": Wad r/y96al, if}; I 596a Na. 685,440. Patented Got. 29,I901. A. CAMPBELL.

COTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed. Apr. 15, 1901.)

9 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

jwewr 6227 06565, #35 ;W W%

(No Model.)

Patented outizs, mm.- A. BAMPBELL.

CUTTUN HMWESTER.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1901.)

9 8haets-Sheet 5.

Patefited 0st. 29, I90l.

A. SAMPBELL. COTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1901.)

9'Sheeis-Sheei 6.

(No Modalf) (No Model.)

A. CAMPBELL.

COTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed'Apr. 15, 1901.)

Pate htd Oct. 29, 1901.

9 Sheets$heet 7.

No. 685,440. Patented flat. 29, 190i.

A. CAMPSELL.

CUTTON HARVESTER.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1901.}

IH RI 4 UNITED STATES PATENT OF ICE.

ANGUS CAMPBELL, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN COTTONPIOKER COMPANY, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPO- RATION OFPENNSYLVANIA.

coTToN-j -RvEsTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 685,440, dated October29, 1901.

Application filed April 15, 1901.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ANGUS CAMPBELL, a eiti zen of the United States,residing at Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement inCotton-Harvesters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in cotton-harvesters generally, andis more es- IO pecially in the nature of an improvement upon a machinefor the same purpose for which Letters Patent were granted to meJ ul y16, 1895, No. 542,794. In this machine are employed two casings with alongitudinal pas I5 sage between them to pass on opposite sides of a rowof cotton-plants in the field. The

. casings contain each a large number of picker stems or spindlesmounted in endless series of carriers. The carriers for the picker-stemstravel endless courses oblong in the direction of the length of themachine and practically straight-sided and parallel at the saidlongitudinal passage. The speed of travel of the carriersand consequentmovement of the 1'0- 2 5 tating picker-stems in the backward directionis approximately equal to the speed of the forward travel of themachine, whereby while the stems are in the plants they rotate in aposition approximately stationary with relation to the plants. Eachseries of carriers as it moves is translated around two centers located,respectively,-in the forward and rear end portions of the casing, thetranslations being such that the picker-stems are 5 thrustlongitudinally into the plants, caused to remain therein while pursuingthe backward course, and then withdrawn longitudinally from the plants.The principal purpose of my aforesaid patent was to provide mechanismwhich would operate to thrust the picker-stems longitudinally into theplants to intermesh with similarly-operated picker stems thrust into theplan ts from the opposite side, then cause all the said picker-stems toremain and rotate in the plants for a prolonged period to gather thecotton from the open bolls and remain during such prolonged period-in aposition approximately stationary with the plants to avoid theirknocking off Serial No. 88 8. on model.)

green bolls, and then withdraw them longi 5o tudinally from the plantswithout material lateral play to prevent injury to the plants. When thepicker-stems are withdrawn from the plants, they are drawnlongitudinally through'stripper mechanisms which remove 55 the cottonfrom the picker-stems and cause it to drop to elevators, which depositit in bags or some other form of receptacle at the rear of the machine.7 4

My present cotton-harvesting machine, so far as its principal featuresof construction and operation are concerned, is substantially 1 like mysaid patented machine, but involves improvements in a number of detailswhich experience in the cotton-field has shown to be'advisable orexpedient.

The drawings show my machine with the improvements forming thesubject-matter of the present application.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is aside elevation of the machine;Fig. 2, a rear elevation; Fig. 3, a broken top plan View of the maindriving mechanism a and the casings which contain the picking andstripping devices, with the main frame of the machine left out; Fig. 4.,a horizontal section throughone of the said casings at the upper sidethereof, the section being taken on line 4 in Fig. 7; Fig.5, a plansection in a lower plane than Fig.4 on line 5 in Fig. 7; Fig. 6, a plansection in a still lower plane on line 6 in Fig. 7; Fig. 7, a verticalsection taken on line 7 in Fig. 5 and viewed in the direction of thearrow; Fig. 8, a plan view of upper sprocketwheels and a drive-chainwhich moves the spindlacarriers; Fig. 9, a plan view of lowersprocket-wheels and drive-chain for the spindie-carriers; Fig. 10, ahrokenvertical section through one of thespindle-carriers; Fig. 11,-asection on line 11 in Fig. 10; Fig. 12, a 0 section on line 12 in Fig.10, showing one of the picker spindles or stems and its rotating means;and Fig. 13, a perspective view of a device or casting at the top ofeach carrier, presenting cam-engaging arms for steadying 5 and forcontrolling the axial movement of the spindle-carriers.

A is the main frame of the machine, which is formed of side bars'A andcross-bars properly braced to render the frame rigid. At the forward endthe frame is mounted upon a fifth-wheel a on the axle of the frontwheels,

and the rear end of the frame is provided on,

opposite sides with brackets a which at their lower ends are connectedwith the rear axle 13. Both the front and rear axles are bent upwardbetween the wheels to override cotton-plants. The rear wheels 0 arejournaled upon the axle B, as shown, and are provided on their innersides with large gear-wheels O, which may be fastened to the spokes, asshown, or secured in place in any other desirable way. The upperhorizontal part of the axle B is steadied by brackets at, extendingdownward from the main frame. Fastened by means of clips a to the axle Bare brackets a, carrying journal boxes or bearings for a firstdrive-shaft E. These bearings may be provided in any suitable way, aspart of the said brackets or otherwise, so long as they are rigid withrelation to the frame. On opposite ends of the shaft D are pinions D,meshing with the gear-wheels O. The pinions are integral with sleeves b,which extend through the journals a. The shaft D extends loosely throughthe sleeves, and the latter are formed with clutch members I). Featheredupon the shaft are clutch members 0, which may slide longitudinally.Fastened upon the center of the shaft D is a sprocket-whee1-D andconfined between the hub of the sprocket-wheel and the sliding clutchmembers are springs c, which tend to hold the clutch members inengagement,'whereby rotation of the pinions D will rotate the shaft andsprocketwheel D Pivoted upon a cross-bar of the frame (see Fig. 2) areswinging clutch-shipping levers 0 which at their lower ends entergrooves in the sliding clutch members. The levers c are connectedbetween their ends by a chain 0 which chain between its ends is fastenedto a clutch-operating lever 0 This lever extends along the top of themachine (see Fig. l) to a point convenient to the drivers seat. Thelever c is pivoted between ends and in its movement from normal positiondraws upon the chain c to swing the levers c in the direction of eachother and move the clutch members 0 against the resistance of thesprings 0 out of engagement with the clutch members 1), whereby theshaft D is disengaged from the pinions D. E E are chambers or casingsforming housings for the spindle-carriers and receptacles for thegathered cotton, as hereinafter described. The casings are formedexactly alike, except, of course, that one is adapted to the right-handside and the other to the left-hand side of the machine. An explanationof one of the casings and its contents will therefore answer for theother as well. The frame of the easing is constructed of angle-iron barsto render it as light as possible consistent with the strength anddurability required. The top portion of each casing-frame is formed witha toe or point plate (1, to which are firmly secured thebackward-extending bars d d (1 the rear end of this frame being formedwith a bar d". The bottom frame of the casing may consist of abase-plate E, presenting the inner side bar or edge 6, rear end bar oredge e, and inner bar or edge 6 Fastened, as shown, to the bar or edge eis the outer side bar 6 Upright brace-bars extend between the upper andlower sections of the frame to form a rigid structure. The point of theeasing is strengthened bya vertically-extending shoe-plate d fastened tothe upper and lower frame-sections. Extending from the point around theouter and rear sides and fastened to the upper and lower bars 61 e d eis sheet metal incasing material, which operates as a wall around threesides of the chamber. The inner side at the bars (1 e is formed ofhorizontal slats f, presenting longitudinal slots or openings f betweenthem, Fig. '7, the construction being substantially the same as in myaforesaid Letters Patent. The base of the chamber is also formed with abase-plate E of cast or wrought metal, provided with a rib on the underside to strengthen it. The plate E isv dished, as shown in Fig. 7, topresent ashallow receptacle, the base of which is lined with thewearing-plate E forming a track on which the carriers move, ashereinafter explained. On the top frame of the easing is acovering-plate E which may be in sections to facilitate its removal whendesired. On the top plates E of the casing E are bearings f for a seconddrive cross-shaft F. The shaft F is in two abutting lengths connectedbetween the casings by a universal joint F, whereby any slightindependent play between the casings will not bind the shaft in itsbearings. On the shaft F, between the casings, is a second drivesprocket-wheel F geared, by means of a chain F with the first drivesprocket-wheel D Also on the shaft, between the bearings f on eachcasing, is a beveled gear-Wheel F.

In each casing, just beneath the top plate, is a frame G, consisting ofbrace-bars G G the longitudinally-extending bar G fastened to thebrace-bars, and the endless channelbar G hereinafter described, which isalso fastened to the brace-bars G G Extending through an opening in thetop plate and a bearing in the bar G3 is a short Vertical shaft H,located, as shown, to form the central drive-shaft in the casing. Indirect line with the shaft H, toward the front and rear and paralleltherewith, are shafts I K. These shafts extend at their upper endsthrough openings in the top plate, having bearings for their upper endsin the bar G3 and at the lower ends extending into bearings E on theplate E On the central shaft H, beneath the beveled gear F and meshingtherewith, is a' beveled gear H, and integral with the gear H is agear-wheel H On the shafts I K, above the plate E, are gear- Wheels I.K, meshing with the gear H T0- The rotation of the shafts I and K turnsthe sprocket-wheels I l K K and moves the upper and lower chains 1 K"and carriers L. The gearing is such with relation to the reardrive-wheels C that the speed of travel of the carriers in theirmovement in the backward direction is approximately equal to the speedof the forward movement of the machine. In the movement of the machineit straddles the row of cotton-plants to be picked, the latter passingbetween the adjacent sides of the casings E. The engagement of the armsZ with the channel guide or race G causes the carriers to be translatedat opposite ends of their course around the centers formed by the shaftsI K, whereby, as in my aforesaid patented machine, the picker-stems oneach side are thrust longitudinally into the plants at the forward endsof their backward course, held extended and intermeshed during theirprolonged movement in the backward direction, and withdrawnlongitudinally from the plants at the rear ends of their backwardcourse. In this movement of the carriers the pinions h are rotated bytheir engagement with the rack ill. This rotation turns the shafts h inthe carriers and through the gears h 1; turns the shafts '2'. Throughthe wormpinions 11 k the spindles are rotated on their axes. Thesespindles are formed with longitudinally-extending series of teeth, whichslant in the direction of the free ends of the spindles and gather thecotton from open bolls in the plants. As the spindles are withdrawn fromthe plants they are drawn longitudinally through stripper mechanisms R,similar in the main to the stripper mechanisms shown in my aforesaidLetters Patent, but differing therefrom in certain details ofconstruction, which form the subject of a separate concurrentapplication, filed on the 15th day of April, 1901, Serial No. 55,889.The spiked roller R shown is a feature of the stripping mechanism. Theobject of this mechanism is to slide the gathered cotton from thespindles longitudinally of the latter and deposit it in a receptacle S,whence it is raised by means of an elevator S and discharged through theoutlet S There is an elevator S extending from the base of each casin gE, the elevator belt or apron (not shown in the present drawings) beingpropelled from a shaft S carrying a sprocket-wheel driven by means of achain S from a sprocket-wheel S on the respective outer end portion ofthe shaft F. Journaled upon the top plate of each casing E is agear-wheel R, meshing with the gear-wheel K on one side and with apinion R on the upper end of the shaft of the spiked roller R.

E xtending downward from the ends of the bars G G are arms G flanged orturned inward at their lower ends, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, to supporta horizontally-disposed and endless guide-bar T, the inner edge of whichis flanged to present a vertical inner surface in a plane parallel withthe plane of the edge of the rack-plate M. The plate T is in the planeof the upper chain 1 and its inner vertical face forms a guide for theouter side of said chain to steady it and maintain the pinions 71. incontact with the racked and straight edges of the plate M. The guide Tis an important feature of the construction, because it preventsdisengagement of the pinions 72 from the rack and aids in preventingaxial movement of the spindles while they pass the stripping mechanism.

In the movement of the carriers as the spindles or stems are withdrawnfrom their extended positions in the plants at the end of their backwardcourse the guide G", which by the engagement with it of the arms Zcontrols the direction of extent of the pickerstems, necessarilydescribes a course which is at first nearly parallel with the movementof the carriers around the end of the rack and then turns abruptly todirect the carriers in a straight line while the spindles are drawnthrough the stripper mechanism. It is found in practice that theengagement simply of the arms 1 with the race or guide G is notsufficient in itself to control and steady the movement of the carriers.For this reason the arms or projectionsm on the carriers are provided tomove in a cam-guide V upon and fastened to the guide T. The cam-guide Vhas an outer vertical guide-flange V of the shape shown in Fig. 5.

Upon the pinions k and integral-therewith are lugs h presenting straightedges, as

shown, one of which edges is intended to slide against a guide-bar W,fastened upon the rack-plate M along the unserrated edge thereof. Theopposite ends of the guide-bar W are rounded slightly. The rounded end,at the point where the lugs first engage it, operates as a cam to insurethe proper sliding engagement, and the opposite end of the guide isrounded to insure proper engage ment of the pinions k with the firstteeth of the rack.

This application is one of four simultaneously-filed cases, (Serial Nos.55,889, 55,890, and 55,891,) all relating to improvements incotton-harvesters and which in the aggregate form the machine as nowprovided and contemplated. The present application deals moreespeciallywith the improved means for holding, rotating, and advancingthe picker stems or spindles and for actuating the Various moving partsof the machine. The drawings show as much of the machine as is thoughtnecessary to illustrate these improvements and to make their operationclear.

As in my aforesaid patented machine, the casings E are suspended fromthe main frame of the machine by rods y, threaded at their ends andpassing through the internallythreaded hubs of sprocket-wheels y on theframe. All the sprocket-wheels are connected by an endless chain y andon one of them is a hand-Wheel g near the drivers seat. By turning thehand-wheel both casings may ceive a fastening-ring g.

ward the upper end of each of the shafts I K are sprocket-wheels 1 K, ofthe peculiar form shown in Fig. 8, and toward the lower ends of the sameshafts are dished (see Fig. 7) sprocket-wheels 1 K of the peculiar formshown in Fig. 9. Extending around the upper sprocket-wheels I K is achain 1 the links of which are constructed to engage and form bearingsfor the upper ends of the vertical tubular spindle-carriers L. Extendingaround the sprocket-wheels I K is a chain K every second link of whichforms a caster and pivotal bearing for the lower end of a carrier L. Thecasters run upon the track or plate E The carriers L are in the mainlike those shown in my aforesaid patent, but differ therefrom in detailsof construction. The body portion of each carrier consists (see Fig. 10)of-a casing g, provided with a top disk or cap-piece g, rigidly butremovably secured thereto. Integral with the top disk is a bearingprojection or trunnion havinga bearing-surface 9 which passes throughand is journaled in the chain 1*, and a bearing-surface g The body ofthe carrier is in two longitudinal halves or sections, as indicated inFig. 12, fastened together along one side by bolts 9 The cap-piece gfits tightly around the upper end of the body portion, as shown in Fig.10, and at the lower end of the body portion is a tubular projection gof small diameter, externally threaded to re- The cap g, bolts g and nutor ring g hold the two halves of the body portion securely together, andthe end 9 fits over the stud of a caster-link of the chain K By removingthe cap-piece, ring 9 and bolts 9 the sections of the carrier-casing maybe separated for access to the interior moving parts when desired. Theupper part of the body portion 9 isv circular, as shown in Fig. 11,while below the upper portion it may be angular in cross-section, asshown in Fig. 12. M is an oblong plate with rounded ends, its edgesurface being parallel with the plane of the path of the chains 1 K. Theplate is supported from the bars G G and by a central hollow pillar Mand has openings through it for the free passage of the shafts I K andthe shaft H, which is journaled therein at its lower end. The edge ofthe plate along one side and part way across each end is serrated toform a rack M, substantially as in my aforesaid patent. EX- tendingthrough the trunnion at the top of each carrier is a shaft h,terminating just below the top of the carrier-body and there carrying aninternally-geared wheel h. On the upper end of the shaft h, above thetrunnion, is a pinion 7L2, which meshes with and travels along the rackM. Journaled in the lower end of the body portion g and also between itsends, if desired, is a vertical shaft 1', which is at one side of thecenter of rotation of the carrier and is provided at its top with apinion i en a in the internal ear h. Dis- 7 b b D b posed equidistantalong the length of the shaft tare worm-pinions 1 which in the presentconstruction are eleven in number. In the horizontal planes of theworm-pinions 2' are flanged openings g and 9 located, respectively, inopposite sides of the body portion 9, as shown in Fig. 12. The flangesof the openings project, as shown, and are externally threaded.Extending across the chamber in the body portion of the carrier at eachpair of openings 9 g are sleeves 7c, journaled in said openings andcarrying in the chamber worm-pinions lo,'engaging the worm-pinions 4?.In the opening 9 is a socket-piece or bearing-liner which bears againstthe end of the sleeve is and is held in position by a screw-cap kfitting over the flange of the opening 9 Each sleeve is is to receive aremovable picker-spindle N. The shank portion of the spindle fitsthrough the sleeve is and into the socket-piece or liner 7& at itsextreme end, and on the shank is a short radially-extending pin N, whichfits in a socket in the end of the sleeve 70. The engagement of the pinN with said socket locks the spindle in the sleeve or hollow shaftagainst independent rotation therein. Fitting loosely over the spindleand bearing loosely against the sleeve is is a collar k held in place bya screw-cap 7t ,which is screwed upon the flange of the opening g Whenthe screw-cap k is removed, the spindle may be inserted or withdrawn.When inserted, the butt-end of its shank rotates in the bearing piece orliner 70 and it is firmly fixed to rotate with the sleeve 70 by theengagement of the pin N with the socket in the end of the sleeve. It isheld against removal from the sleeve by the collar 70. Thus the spindlehas a long bearing and is held firmly against lateral play. The channelin the under side of the bar G forms an endless guide or race, and itsgeneral shape and purpose are the same as the guide shown in myaforesaid Letters Patent. Fixed to the bearing-surface g of each carrieris a carrierguide and steadying attachment P, (shown in detail in Fig.13,) having arms Zm, the former of which extends spirally upward andcarries an antifriction-wheel Z, moving in the channel guide or race G.The arm 071. carries an antifriction-wheel m for a purpose hereinafterdescribed.

The operation of theparts described is substantially the same as that ofthe mechanism shown in my aforesaid Letters Patent, the main differencebeing in the construction of the carriers and construction anddisposition of the driving mechanism.

In the forward travel of the machine the gear-wheels O rotate thepinions D. When the clutch members b c on the shaft D are placed inengagement, as before described, the shaft and its sprocket-wheel Drotate and through the chain F rotate the shaft F and bevel-gears F Thebevel-gears rotate the shafts H in opposite directions, and each shaft Hrotates the respective shafts I and K in the same direction, asindicated in Fig. 3.

IIO

' be raised or lowered simultaneously while the machine is moving. Toshield the gears O D, I provide a fixed cover X, of the form shown inFig. l, which will prevent soil car-- ried up by the wheels O fromdropping upon and clogging the gears. The cover or shield X isfastened to the bracket-bearin g a, though it may be supported in anysuitable manner.

Although I have taken pains in the foregoing description to point outthe specific nature of the various details and although I prefer toconstruct the machine with all-these details in the form illustrated, Ido not intend to limit my invention thereto. It will be quite within theprovince of the skilled mechanic to change the apparatus in many partswithout departing from those particular features which are involved inmy invention and which are intended to be protected hereby.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a cotton-harvester, the combination with the main frame andrunning-gear, of a first drive-shaft, clutch mechanism on the saidshaft, clutch shipping mechanism for throwing said shaft into and out ofoperative engagement with the running-gear, casings supported in themain frame and adjustable with relation thereto, picker-spindles andtheir carriers,and propelling gear mechanisms for the carriers in thecasings, and a second drive-shaft upon the casings geared to the saidfirst drive-shaft and to the carrier-propelling gear mechanism in boththe casings, substan tially as described.

2. In a cotton-harvester, the combination with the main frame andrunning-gear, of a first drive-shaft, casings supported in the mainframe, picker-spindles and their carriers, and propelling gearmechanisms for the carriers in the casings, and a second driveshaft uponthe casings geared to the said first drive-shaft and to thecarrier-propelling gear mechanisms in both the casings, said seconddrive-shaft being in sections connected between the casings by auniversal joint, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a cotton-harvester, the combination of an endless series ofpicker-spindle carriers, upperand lower endless drive-chains in whichthe carriers are mounted, forward and rear vertical shafts provided withdriving gearwheels on their upper ends and with upper and lowerdrivingsprocket-wheels for the said chains, and a vertical drive-shaftbetween the said forward and rear shafts, and agearwheel thereon meshingwith the gear-wheels on the forward and rear shafts to drive the same,substantially as described.

4:- In a cotton-harvester, the combination with an endless series ofpicker-spindle carriers, upper and lower endless drive-chains in whichthe carriers are mounted, and forward and rear vertical shafts providedwith upper and lower driving sprocket-wheels for the said chains, ofgear-wheels on the upper ends of said shafts for driving the same, acentral vertical drive-shaft provided at its upper end with a beveledpinion and with a gear-wheel meshing with both the said gear-wheels onthe said shafts, a horizontal driving-shaft and a beveled gear thereonmeshing with the beveled pinion on the said central drive-shaft to turnthe same, substantially as described.

*5. In a cotton-harvester, the combination of an endless series ofpicker-spindle carriers, upper and lower endless drive-chainsin whichthe carriers are mounted, and forward and rear vertical shafts providedwith upper and lower driving sprocket-wheels for the said chains, ofgear-Wheels on the upper ends of said shafts for turning the same, acentral gear-wheel en gagi ug both the said gear-wheels on the saidshafts, vertical roller R, pinion on said roller, an idle gear-wheelbetween the said pinion and said rear-shaft-driving gearwheel, and ahorizontal drive-shaft geared to the said central gear-wheel to turn thesame, substantially as described.

6. In a cotton-harvester, a picker-spindle carrier having a casingformed of separable longitudinal sections, a removable cap-piece fittingupon and securing the sections together at their upper ends, a bearingprojection on the cap-piece, and a ring fitting upon and securing thesections together at their lower ends, substantially as described.

'7. In a cotton-harvester, a picker-spindle carrier having a tubularcasing formed of longitudinal sections separably secured together andhaving a circular head portion, provided with a central u pward-extending bearing projection, an angular body portion containing transversespindle-holding sleeves journaled in its opposite sides, and a bearin gprojection at the lower end of the body portion, substantially asdescribed.

8. In a cotton-harvester, a rotary pickerspindle carrier having atubular casing provided with upper and lower carrier-bearings in thesame vertical plane, a vertical spindledriving shaft in the casing toone side of the plane of the said carrier-bearings, and spin- (liesjournaled in hearings in opposite sides of the said casing and geared tothe said vertical shaft between the said bearings, substantially asdescribed.

9. In a cotton-harvester, a picker-spindle carrier having a tubularcasing provided with upper and lower carrier-bearings in the samevertical plane,a vertical spindle-driving shaft in the casing to oneside of the plane of said carrier-bearings, and transversespindle-receiving sleeves journaled in bearings in the opposite sides ofthe casin g and geared to the said vertical shaft between the saidbearings, substantially as described.

10. In a cotton-harvester, a picker-spindle carrier having a tubularcasing provided with upper and lower carrier-bearings in the samevertical plane,a verticalspindle-driving shaft in the casing to one sideof the plane of the said carrier-bearings, transverse spindle-receivingsleeves journaled in bearings in opposite sides of the casing, andworm-pinions on the said vertical shaft and sleeves in drivingengagement with each other between the said bearings, substantially asdescribed.

11. In a cotton-harvester, a picker-spindle carrier having a tubularcasing provided with upper and lower carrier-bearings in the sameVertical plane, a shaft extending downward through the uppercarrier-bearing and provided with an internally-toothed Wheel at itslower end in the upper part of the casing, means for rotating said shaftin the movement of the carrier, a vertical spindle-driving shaft in thecasing to one side of the plane of the said carrier-bearings, a pinionon the upper end of said spindle-driving shaft engaging saidinternally-toothed wheel, and spindle-receiving sleeves journaled inbear- 20 ings in opposite sides of the casing and geared to the saidspindle-drivin g shaft between said bearings, substantially asdescribed.

12. In a cotton-harvester, the combination with the picker-spindlecarriers and driving and turning means therefor, of the cam-guide Vadjacent to the path of the carriers at the rear end portion thereof,and projections on the carriers movable in said guide, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

13. In a cotton-harvester, the combination With picker-spindle carriersand driving and turning means therefor, of a cam-guide V ad-

